Hugh Harrington McGilvary Sr.

Mr. Hugh Harrington McGilvary, Sr., age 91, peacefully transitioned from this life at his home in the Plum Point community of New Kent, Virginia, on Monday, August 25, 2025.

Born on October 5, 1933, in King William County, Virginia, Hugh was the beloved son of the late Walter McGilvary and Willie Mae Blue. He was raised in West Point, VA, where he attended West Point Public Schools. Affectionately known as "Pops" and "Sink," he was cherished for his warm smile and kind spirit.

Hugh answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army, where he served faithfully from July 8, 1954, to May 15, 1956. As a Medical Corpsman, he provided care both on the battlefield and in military hospitals. At the time of his honorable discharge, he held the rank of Specialist Third Class.

On June 14, 1958, Hugh married the love of his life, Edna Morristeen Jones. Their union was blessed with three children: Sheila, Hugh Jr. "Bubba", and Stacey. Together, they built a strong, loving home rooted in faith, family, and community in Plum Point. Hugh and Edna were blessed to share sixty-seven wonderful years of marriage.

Hugh gave his life to Christ at a young age and was a devoted member of Mt. Nebo Baptist Church, where he served faithfully as a Deacon. His steadfast commitment to serving the Lord remained a guiding force throughout his life.

Professionally, Hugh was employed by Newport News Shipbuilding for over thirty years, working in the pipe fitting department until his retirement in 1996. Afterward, he worked part-time as a custodian for West Point Public Schools and held various positions with Williams Construction at the West Point Paper Mill.

Hugh was a man of humility, strength, and deep faith. He had a zest for life and enjoyed fishing, working in his yard, gardening, dancing, playing card games, watching Westerns, visiting friends in Matthews County, and spending time with his family. A proud supporter of the Indianapolis Colts, he brought passion to everything he did. Above all, he modeled integrity, hard work, and deep respect for parents and elders - values that his family continues to uphold. In addition to his dedication to faith, family, and work, Hugh was a member of Triple River Lodge 253 (PHA).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Willie Mae; his sisters, LaVinia Jennings, Jean Bellamy (Tom), and Janie Green (Thenell); his brothers, Nathaniel (Eleanor), Willie Ward (Lucy), Walter Jr., Monroe Sr., Robert Lee, and Mason Sr.; his daughter-in-law, Cynthia "Tang" McGilvary; and his brother-in-law, Leroy Johnson.

Hugh leaves to cherish his memory: His devoted wife of sixty-seven years, Edna Jones McGilvary; children, Sheila Akrie (Jeff), Hugh McGilvary Jr., and Stacey McGilvary; grandchildren, Shelitha Akrie, Latisha Watson, Angel Washington (Perry), Shatrice Akrie, Stacey Norris, Hugh McGilvary III, and Lacey McGilvary; great-grandchildren, Mikaela Jefferson, Leah Neale, Kahlil Norris, Ariana Holloway, Saraya Akrie, Gabrielle Washington, Nyla Washington, and Camiyah Martin; loving sister Martha Johnson; sisters-in-law: Iris McGilvary, Agnes McGilvary, Alta McGilvary, and Doris McGilvary; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and many cherished friends.

A funeral service will be held at Noon on Friday, September 5, 2025, at Mt. Nebo Baptist Church - West Point, with a viewing to begin at 10:00 a.m. Interment with military honors will follow in Union Prospect Baptist Church Cemetery.

Professional services have been entrusted to the staff of Whiting's Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com